A short story by W. P. Kinsella

BEFORE READING:

Stereotypes serve an important function in the perpetuation of racism. 

In Canada, the stereotype of a “traditional Indian” brings up images of moccasins, beads, teepees and canoes as if these groups of people have remained unchanged during the last two centuries.  In our Canadian history, this stereotype of “Indians” as savages served to justify the taking away of Indian lands, thus beginning the relationship of inequity between white and Native peoples.  More recent stereotypes of the First Nations peoples include that of lazy alcoholics and other negative images that contrast the idea of a “normal (white) Canadian.”  Part of the stereotype is the assumption that “whiteness” is “goodness” and that other races need to conform to the norm of “whiteness” and assimilate into Canadian culture.

Canada is identified as a multicultural country, one that respects and welcomes all immigrants. Canadians celebrate multiculturalism on special occasions and showcase cultural food, clothing, music, dance, language, and traditions.  On the one hand, these celebrations recognize and commemorate those of other cultures; on the other hand, this display recognizes diversity somewhat superficially since the common notion of “being Canadian” continues to be “white” once the celebrations conclude.

Racism continues to exist in Canada despite Canada’s official policy of multiculturalism and tolerance. Often, minorities are still given negative traits and “whites” are still seen as the norm. The media has played an active role in perpetuating this racism through negative stereotype and the lack of positive roles for minorities.  All Canadians have the responsibility to accept that our country is comprised of other cultures and other ways of looking at the world and that “white” values are not necessarily right values.

POINT OF VIEW: the perspective from which the story is told.

• The most obvious point of view is probably first person or "I” in which there is a narrator within the action of the story.
• The third person omniscient narrator knows everything, may reveal the motivations, thoughts and feelings of the characters, and gives the reader information.
• With a third person limited omniscient narrator, the material is presented from the point of view of a character, in third person.
• The objective point of view presents the action and the characters' speech, without comment or emotion. The reader has to interpret them and uncover their meaning.